University of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science

Are you looking for a plant that can grow up a trellis or fence, serve
as an interesting ground cover, or perform well as a container plant? If
so, then the plant you want is the clematis.

This versatile and hardy flowering vine comes in a variety of colors
ranging from deep purple to shades of blue, mauve, pink, red, yellow, cream,
white, and bi-colors. Flower size, depending on variety, can be as small
as one-fourth inch up to nine or ten inches in diameter. Some varieties--there
are more than 250--are best suited for shade, others for full sun, meaning
you can probably find a clematis for every growing situation. In Vermont,
clematis generally does best in full sun.

Clematis hybrids can be divided into 11 groups. Some flower later in
the summer on current season's growth like 'Ernst Markham' (red with gold
stamens; okay to prune in early spring). Others flower earlier in season
on last year's growth like 'Duchess of Edinburgh' (pruning in spring will
cut these flower buds off, so prune back only after bloom).

The most popular are the large flowering varieties, which were first
introduced in the mid-19th century. 'Jackmanii,' with its showy purple
flowers, became popular in England in 1863. 'Elsa Spath' is another prolific
bloomer, producing lots of lovely blue-purple flowers. If you like pink,
try the classic 'Nellie Moser' with flowers five to six inches across.

A favorite white variety is 'Duchess of Edinburgh' with early semi-double
flowers with yellow stamens. For bi-colors, try 'Lincoln Star.' It sports
eight-inch raspberry red flowers with white edges.

Planting several different varieties almost guarantees you a continuous
sweep of color from spring to the first hard frost. Most varieties do well
in hardiness zone 3 and up, but talk to your local garden center experts
for recommendations on variety selection.

Although you can plant clematis almost any month you are able to work
the soil, spring and early autumn are the best times to plant. Dig the
soil about 18 inches deep, working in several scoops of compost. Water
in a liquid fertilizer according to the label directions. You should plant
your clematis one to two inches deeper than it was in the pot, burying
one set of leaves below the soil level.

Water thoroughly, then add mulch around the base of the plant to keep
the roots cool and conserve moisture. Staking may be needed if you want
to train the clematis to grow up a trellis though obviously would not be
required for plants you plan to let sprawl on the ground or grow through
low-growing shrubs and hedges. For a fence post, use fishing line to train
the vines to wind around the post.

Don't expect instant results. The first year the plant may produce only
one to three shoots with only a flower or two. For a bushier plant in future
years, prune these shoots back once or twice the first year to one half
their length. It may take two or three years before the plant is covered
in flowers. Be patient.

Although clematis is attractive as a landscape plant, it also makes
an excellent cut flower. When cutting clematis for arranging, choose flowers
with strong, thick stems. Remove foliage to reduce transpiration, and place
in cold water immediately. Blossoms need to be conditioned overnight before
arranging.

Clematis plants can be found at many nurseries, greenhouses, and garden
centers, or ordered though on-line catalogs. With proper planting, early
care, and patience, they will continue to prosper for years to come. So,
why not plant some today. Their place in your landscape is only limited
by your imagination.